Prior to Kyoto International Film and Art Festival, “The World of Flipbook Manga” exhibition, an exhibition of the works of director Ujicha titled “The Burning Buddha Man,” and an exhibition of woodblock prints created by Thai children are now showing at Art Gallery KCUA of Kyoto City University of Arts, from Saturday 13th September. 

On Saturday 13th September, a reception party co-organized by Silent ＠KCUA2014, and a solo exhibition of Asako Otsuka was held. Several speeches from Kenji Tsuruta, the Chairman of the gallery, Akira Tatehata,
the President of Kyoto City University of Arts, and Daisaku Kadokawa, the Mayor of Kyoto city were given.  

Kenta Oka and Ujicha, director of “The Burning Buddha Man” then took to the stage as the representatives of Kyoto International Film and Art Festival. Kenta Oka commented; “We appreciate this special event prior to the Kyoto International Film and Art Festival thanks to the assistance of the Kyoto City University of Arts.” He then explained, “There was a Kyoto Film Festival before, but from this year, Kyoto International Film and Art Festival will begin with the cooperation of Yoshimoto Kogyo. Because we would like to hold a unique festival that you cannot find anywhere else in the world, here in Kyoto, we decided the theme of’ Films, Arts and Everything.’ Actually regarding films in Kyoto, there is Toei Kyoto Studio Park and many old film projectors. Kyoto is a place where a lot of artists study in art universities. So, as we consider films as an art form, we will organize 3 exhibitions prior to the festival following this theme.” He then expressed his thoughts about the city of Kyoto.  

Explanations of each exhibition followed. From the Film Section, an exhibition of the works of director Ujicha, titled “The Burning Buddha Man,” opened on the 2nd floor to show original pictures as well as film screenings. The director Unjicha lives in Uji city and developed an interest in gekimation (a mix of manga and animation) filmmaking while in college, where he began creating his own film. “The Burning Buddha Man” is Ujicha’s debut film. Ujicha said “I drew pictures in paper and cut them out, then put on chopsticks, and shot them like a puppet theatre.” 

 
 

Especially the exhibition of paper dolls that appear in the movie is remarkable! Kenta Oka who helped with exhibition encouraged people to check out the paper dolls which appear in the movie. “It is a wonderful installation, so please come and enjoy it,” he said.

 “The World of Flipbook Manga Exhibition” held on the 2nd floor was introduced next. Tekken, a Japanese comic and artist, has received a great deal of acclaim both in Japan and from abroad with simple stories and a homemade-feel of his artwork which has drawn tears from readers of his flip book manga.

On the first floor, the “Exhibition of Woodblock Prints Created by Thai Children” has also been on show. Kenta Oka explained, “Thailand has a lot of internal dispute and many children of minority ethnic groups have needed to change houses such that they are separated from friends and sometimes cannot go to school anymore, or buy stationary. Those children tried Japanese woodblock printing for the first time. The Kyoto International Film and Art Festival, is also holding an open call exhibition called ‘Creator’s Factory’ with a children’s section. The prints made by Thai children how beautiful works could be created in only 2 hours at a first attempt their first time, and I’d like to show them as a symbol of this creativity.” 

At the exhibition, the prints will be sold at 5000 yen each, with the profit from the exhibition donated to children of minority ethnic groups.

After the reception party, Kenta Oka guided Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa around the exhibition.

Be sure to check out all three exhibitions as part of the Kyoto International Film and Art Festival prior to the actual festival! 

1st Kyoto International Film and Art Festival “Films, Arts and Everything”

Tekken “The World of Flipbook Manga Exhibition” / Exhibition of Work by Director Ujicha, “The Burning Buddha Man” / Exhibition of Woodblock Prints Created by Thai Children

Venue: Art Gallery A, B and C, KCUA of Kyoto City University of Arts

Date: Saturday 13th to Sunday 21st September 11am to 7pm (entry till 6:30pm)

Holiday: Tuesday 16th September

Admission Free